Former stars help popularize sport (2)
Former stars help popularize sport (2)
15:42, November 04, 2009 
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An entertainer in golf
Gymnastics world and Olympic champion Li has been playing golf for 13 years but sees himself as an "entertainer" rather than a "professional".
"I'm not a pro golfer and I'm also not going to become a pro," said Li, 36. "I hope I can give some fun to the fans on the course and get more people to love the sport."
Li, a champion at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, has a natural gift for the sport. He averages 260 yards off the tee and sometimes outplays the pros.
"I participate in golf because it is a real sport," said Li, who is also the boss of a sponsor of the GFT. "Lots of people in China see golf as a game for wealthy people.
"They are wrong. I hope the media will play a more important role in telling people that golf is a sport for everyone.
"Golf's inclusion at the 2016 Games proves it is for everyone in the world."
Li is also confident Chinese players will be among the world's best within the next decade.
"Chinese people have shown talent in individual sports like badminton, table tennis, shooting and gymnastics.
"Once golf is made a priority by the government and also gains public support, I believe, after 10 years, Chinese golfers will make it into the four major tournaments."
Source:China Daily
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Gymnastics world and Olympic champion Li has been playing golf for 13 years but sees himself as an "entertainer" rather than a "professional".
"I'm not a pro golfer and I'm also not going to become a pro," said Li, 36. "I hope I can give some fun to the fans on the course and get more people to love the sport."
Li, a champion at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, has a natural gift for the sport. He averages 260 yards off the tee and sometimes outplays the pros.
"I participate in golf because it is a real sport," said Li, who is also the boss of a sponsor of the GFT. "Lots of people in China see golf as a game for wealthy people.
"They are wrong. I hope the media will play a more important role in telling people that golf is a sport for everyone.
"Golf's inclusion at the 2016 Games proves it is for everyone in the world."
Li is also confident Chinese players will be among the world's best within the next decade.
"Chinese people have shown talent in individual sports like badminton, table tennis, shooting and gymnastics.
"Once golf is made a priority by the government and also gains public support, I believe, after 10 years, Chinese golfers will make it into the four major tournaments."
Source:China Daily
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